No less than 54 countries are expected in Nigeria for a Security and Intelligence meeting in 2021, the Chairman, House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Rep. Ibrahim Sharada, has said.
According to the lawmaker who spoke during the 2020 budget performance and 2021 estimates defence of agencies under the defence community on Wednesday, Nigeria will host the annual Network of African Parliamentarians on Defence and Security in charge of Anglophone countries slated for September 2021.
At the meeting, Chairmen of Committees on security and intelligence from 54 countries will attend the meeting to exchange ideas on how to address insecurity in the continent, the lawmaker said.
Sharada said this was sequel to the fact that he had been made the President of the Network of African Parliamentarians on Defence and Security in charge of Anglophone countries at its 2020 conference held in Cote de Voire .
The network has agreed that the House committee will host the next conference, coming up in 2021.
This was as the committee reiterated its commitment toward actualization of sustainable national security reform in the country..
Sharada gave the assurance during the 2020 budget performance and 2021 budget defence of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Presidential Air Fleet, among others.
According to him, the budget defence was organized in line with Order 18 Rule 9 of the standing order of the House of Representatives 2016 as amended which provides for the jurisdictions of the Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
He said the committee was mandated to oversight of security, all matters related to any organization or any established by law on the security of the federation; oversight of security and intelligence matters generally and oversight of the office of the National Security Adviser, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency and Presidential Air Fleet, among others.
However, he expressed optimism that the presentation of previous budget performance will help the committee in making input towards ensuring a realistic and quality Appropriation Act.
His words: “The Committee is aware of the multi-dimensional security challenges in the country despite enormous commitmentu of the administration which places security on the top of its agenda.
“Also the role of various security and enforcement agencies inu supporting the Federal Government in achieving a sustainable national security reform cannot be over-emphasised.
“A recognition of this reality, the committee assures you of its willingness to discharge its legislative duties of law-making, oversight and representation with all sense of responsibility and patriotism to the realize the much-needed peace, order andu good governance in the Federal Republic of Nigeria as clearly established under Section 4 of the Constitution.
“It is important to inform you that the committee is preparing anu annual work-plan containing the details of the above activities which be shared with all critical stakeholders to enhance their preparation for any engagement to be effected soonest.”
“The roadmap will bring the Committee and all the stakeholders on one page to face the business of nation building,” adding that the gesture will also demonstrate the commitment of the Committee towards realizing the 9th House of Representatives’ Legislative Agenda which seeks to promote inclusive law-making through collaboration with relevant stakeholders.”
The lawmaker said theu Committee is committed in assisting the 9th Assembly towards promotion of realization of security and welfare of the people as the primary purpose of government in line with the provisions of Section 14 subsection 2(b) of the Constitution through effective law-making.
He however noted that “It is indeed a herculean task to steer the ship of such a committee saddled with oversight of they security architecture especially at such a trying moment in the nation`s history.”
Thereafter, the Committee deliberated on the 2020 budget performance and 2021 budget defence in a closed door session.
